Got your passport photo rejected? It’s not great, but there’s something you can do. With our research through this article, you can find out the number one reason your passport photo got rejected in 2024. Not only this, but you can find out how to sort it out quickly. Let’s get started!
Last update:2/28/2025
Common passport photo mistakes and how to avoid them
To ensure your photo gets accepted, avoid these common mistakes:
Incorrect size and alignment
- Photo dimensions: The image must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
- Face proportions: The head should measure between 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the chin.
- Centering: Your face must be positioned in the middle with even spacing on all sides.
- Tip: Use a ruler or digital measurement tool to confirm your photo meets the exact size requirements.
Facial expression and posture mistakes
- Expression: Keep a neutral face — no big smiles, frowning, or raised eyebrows.
- Eyes: They must be fully open, visible, and directed straight at the camera.
- Posture: Sit or stand with your head and neck straight, avoiding any tilts or slouches.
- Tip: Maintain a relaxed but neutral look, staring directly at the lens to meet official guidelines.
Poor image quality
- Clarity: The photo should be sharp and high-resolution, without pixelation or blurring.
- Lighting: Ensure even brightness, avoiding shadows, overexposure, or poor contrast.
- Natural appearance: The photo must be a true representation of your features, meaning no digital enhancements or filters.
- Physical condition: Damaged photos with creases, smudges, or marks are not accepted.
- Tip: Using our professional passport photo service guarantees a high-quality image that meets all standards.
Background errors
- The background must be plain white or off-white, free of patterns or decorations.
- There should be no objects, shadows, or people in the background.
- Tip: For the best results, take the photo in front of a smooth, well-lit white wall.
Inappropriate attire and accessories
- Clothing: Avoid uniforms, camouflage prints, or colors that blend with the background.
- Head coverings: Allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and must be accompanied by official documentation.
- Glasses: Most DMVs do not allow eyeglasses unless medically necessary, in which case a doctor’s note is required.
- Jewelry and piercings: Small accessories are fine as long as they do not obscure your facial features.
- Tip: Wear plain, everyday clothing, remove unnecessary accessories, and ensure your entire face is clearly visible.
Digital edits and other issues
- No retouching: The image must be natural and unedited—filters, beauty touch-ups, or digital enhancements are not allowed.
- Recent photo: It should be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
- Red-eye correction: Photos with unnatural eye color effects will be rejected.
- Tip: Use a high-resolution, unaltered image that represents how you look today.
Final expert advice
To avoid having your passport photo rejected, double-check all requirements before submitting it. If you’re unsure, consider using the Smartphone iD online tool to ensure your photo meets all official standards.
What Happens if Your Passport Photo is Rejected in the US?
Regardless of how much you paid, or where you got your passport photo, it must meet the strict guidelines that the US government requires for passport travel documents. If not, you’ll like run into some issues when your passport application is processed.
You’ll receive contact from the passport office (Travel Department of State), usually via letter, to inform you of the problems with your application. At this point, your application will be frozen for a period of 90 days so that you can submit a compliant photo.
Steps to take when your photo is rejected
- Take a new passport photos that is compliant with all criteria
- Collect any additional documents required for your application
- Send back all the documents and photos required before the 90-day period expires
What to do When Your Passport Photo is Rejected?
The simple answer is to submit the correct format and style of passport photo. However, sometimes it can be difficult to understand what to do. If you do need to resubmit your photo, you’ll have 90 days to get everything sorted.
You’ll have time to research what is required as well as various methods and services available to take compliant passport photos.
My baby’s passport photo was rejected. What are the next steps?
Si la photo d’identité de votre bébé a été refusée, ne vous inquiétez pas : vous pouvez la reprendre et la soumettre à nouveau. Commencez par consulter la lettre de refus de l’agence des passeports, qui précisera le motif du refus .
Common reasons for rejection include poor lighting, an incorrect background, the baby’s mouth being open, or shadows on the face.
To prevent another rejection
- Ensure the baby is on a plain white sheet or in a car seat with a white background.
- The baby’s eyes must be open and mouth closed (a slight relaxation is acceptable for newborns).
- No hands or objects should be visible in the frame.
- Lighting must be even, with no shadows.
If the issue was the background, use a truly plain white sheet or wall. Once corrected, follow the resubmission instructions in the rejection notice. If you applied at a passport acceptance facility, you may need to return with the new photo. For an easy and reliable solution, use Smartphone iD to ensure your baby’s passport photo meets official requirements.
Examples of Rejected Passport Photos
If you need more help to understand and avoid the rejection of your passport photo, we’ve provided some examples of rejected infant passport photo and adult. This way you can see for yourself what a passport photo should not look like.
Take a look below.
Can you change or retake your passport photo if it gets rejected?
Yes, if your passport photo is rejected, you will need to submit a new one that meets official requirements. If your application is still being processed, you will receive instructions from the passport agency on how to send a replacement photo.
For mailed applications, you can print and send a new photo along with the rejection notice. If you applied in person at a post office or passport agency, they may allow you to take a new photo on-site or resubmit by mail.
Using the Smartphone iD app or online tool can help ensure compliance before resubmitting, reducing the risk of another rejection.
How to Take a Passport Photo That Passes the Requirements?
The easiest way to get a compliant photo that passes all requirements is to use a professional passport photo app like Smartphone iD. We can help you take your photo and check whether it’s good enough for submitting to your passport application.
We can also guarantee you’ll get government approval, so what are you waiting for?
Summary
If you’re worried about whether your passport photo is good enough or you’ve got 90 days left to resubmit, don’t stress! We’ve got the perfect solution for you. Just use our online passport photo tool Smartphone iD on your smartphone or computer and we’ll help you from there. Our quick and professional service is bound to leave you satisfied and with an approved passport photo too!
Have you tried Smartphone iD?
Faqs
What happens if a passport photo is rejected?
If your passport photo is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reason and instructions for submitting a new, corrected photo. Your application will be on hold until the issue is resolved.
What if my U.S. passport photo is rejected twice?
If your passport photo is rejected twice, you must submit another one that meets all requirements. Consider using our passport photo tool with compliance checks to avoid repeated rejections.
Will I have to pay again if my passport photo is rejected?
If your photo was taken at a retail location, you may have to pay for a new photo. However, the passport application fee itself remains valid, and you only need to send a corrected photo.
My passport photo was rejected at the post office. What should I do?
You can take a new photo at the post office if they offer passport photo services or use an online service to generate a compliant image before returning with a new print.
What disqualifies a passport photo?
A passport photo can be disqualified for reasons such as:
- Incorrect size (must be 2×2 inches in the U.S.)
- Shadows or uneven lighting
- Poor-quality resolution (blurry, overexposed, or underexposed)
- Non-neutral expression (wide smile or frown)
- Background issues (not plain white or off-white)
Will my passport photo be rejected if I smile?
A neutral expression is required, but a slight, natural smile is acceptable. A wide, toothy grin may result in rejection.
Will my passport photo be rejected if I wear glasses, makeup, or headwear?
- Glasses are not allowed unless you provide a medical exemption.
- Makeup is allowed as long as it does not alter your natural appearance.
- Headwear is only permitted for religious or medical reasons, and you may need to provide a signed statement.
How can I tell if my passport photo will be accepted?
To check compliance, use a passport photo verification tool or review the official U.S. Department of State guidelines.
Are uniforms allowed in passport photos?
No, uniforms or clothing that resembles official uniforms (such as camouflage or police attire) are not allowed in passport photos.
Can I wear an eyepatch in my passport photo?
Yes, if the eyepatch is worn for medical reasons, it is permitted. However, you may need to provide a medical statement if requested.
Sources
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
